Healthy teeth and gums depend on good oral hygiene, a low-sugar diet, healthy saliva and regular visits to the dentist.

Some drugs can cause tooth damage, so it is important that you tell your dentist about any drugs you are taking.

Prevention is certainly better than cure, as dental restoration treatments can be expensive and time-consuming.

Drug use and dry mouth

Some drugs reduce the flow of saliva and cause a condition called ‘dry mouth’. Dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay. This is because saliva:

reduces the population of bacteria in the mouth

neutralises decay-causing mouth acids

contains substances crucial to the ongoing process of re-mineralisation, which is the repair of tooth enamel (the hard surface layer that protects the tooth) that has been damaged by acids

has a washing effect preventing stagnation of food particles.

Talk to your dentist about whether any drugs you are taking could be causing dry mouth.

Drugs can affect teeth and gums

The regular use of drugs can cause significant tooth damage. Drugs that carry a high risk to your oral health include:

alcohol – regular intake of alcohol can cause a dry mouth and tooth erosion, as most alcohols are acidic

cannabis – also called marijuana, pot and weed, can cause dry mouth and can lead to an increased risk of gum problems. Cannabis smoke can cause oral cancer

cocaine – also called coke, blow or nose candy. Users sometimes rub cocaine over their gums, causing ulceration of gums and the underlying bone. Cocaine mixed with saliva creates an extremely acidic solution that erodes tooth enamel and exposes the underlying dentine to decay-causing bacteria. Cocaine and crack cocaine cause dry mouth, which further increases the risk of tooth decay. Cocaine can cause tooth wear by tooth grinding (bruxism)

ecstasy – also called love drug, E and eckies. Side effects of ecstasy include tooth grinding, jaw clenching and dry mouth

heroin – also called H or smack. People who use heroin tend to crave sweet foods, which can increase the risk of tooth decay if dental hygiene is neglected. Heroin can also cause dry mouth and tooth grinding

methamphetamine – also called speed, ice or meth. This drug causes severe tooth decay in a very short time. Dental professionals have coined the term ‘meth mouth’ to describe the extensive damage typically caused by this drug. Methamphetamine is highly acidic and attacks tooth enamel. Other side effects include dry mouth, teeth grinding and jaw clenching

tobacco – smoking is associated with an increased rate of gum problems as well as an increased risk of cancers, including oral cancer.

Any drug dependence or drug use that causes the person to neglect their personal hygiene, diet and dental care can significantly increase the risk of dental (and many other) problems.

Treatment for drug-related tooth and gum problems

Professional treatment depends on the particular drug and its effects on your teeth and gums, but may include:

Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces the risk of decay. The dentist may apply topical fluoride preparations to the surface of your teeth. Fluoride tablets or mouthwashes may be recommended for use at home.

Decayed teeth will need dental fillings and perhaps restorative work such as crowns.

Badly decayed teeth may need to be removed (extracted). Partial dentures, bridges, dental implants or full dentures may be recommended.

The dentist can recommend various treatments (such as veneers) that can improve the look of your mouth and smile.

Drug use and prevention of tooth and gum problems

Suggestions include:

If you have a drug dependence problem, consider talking to your doctor about entering a drug treatment program.

Related information on other websites

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This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch

Last updated:
March 2017

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.